The United Nations Development Program(UNDP) calls applicants for the UNDP Ocean Innovation challenge 2020. Interested applicants can apply until March 5, 2020.

UNDP launches a new call to action— Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) to accelerate progress on SDG 14 targets. The OIC seeks innovations that are transferable, replicable and scalable. The Challenge grants range from $50,000 to $250,000.

Recognizing the increasing urgency of tackling ocean pollution, particularly from plastics and nutrients, the first of several planned OICs focuses on SDG 14.1- Reduce Marine Pollution.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicants must meet the following requirements to be a part of the competition

• They must be public or private entities, including governments and private companies,
• Also, academic institutions and intergovernmental organizations
• The participants must implement the challenge in a way that benefits the stakeholders in developing countries. However, it can also be submitted by developing countries or their proponents.

Awards

• The awards for the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge range from $50,000 to $250,000.
• Additionally, the project frame can range from 1 to 2 years.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the competition is divided into three stages.

• Starting 8 January 2020, interested applicants should submit their preliminary proposal on the official website no later than 5 March 2020. The organizers encourage early applications.
• Similarly, in April 2020, UNDP will invite successful applicants to the first round to submit a more detailed project proposal before 25 April 2020.
• Additionally, they will announce the OIC Award-winners at the 2^nd UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, 2-6 June 2020.

About UNDP

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. Additionally, on the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, they offer a global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

For additional details, visit the official website.